20. Remarkable Introduction
After they returned from their walk, Claire sat across from Pat, waiting for him to start. On the table in front of them sat a small, closed box.
Pat fidgeted with it for a moment before stopping. “I figure I’ll just start and let it go from there.”
“Take your time. I’m listening.” Claire reached over and squeezed his hand.
“I try not to go back there in my mind. I’ve shut it away as much as possible. When it raises its head, it’s like watching a movie of someone else’s life.”
He sprung from his seat and paced around the floor, finally settling again in the chair.
“I was eighteen. I hadn’t decided what to do yet. Whether to travel for a while or explore college. For my family, college wasn’t even on the radar. My dad and mom lacked much education and had worked hard all their lives. Nineteen sixty-five was going to be my year to see the world.”
He brushed his fingers through his hair, croaking out a laugh that fell flat. “I got to see the world alright. But not the way I’d wanted. I was told to report and, if selected, would leave for training right away. Before I knew it, I was on a bus to El Paso. From there, on to the jungle. Back then, you didn’t realize how green you were. You think you know everything.” He shook his head, burying his head in his hands.
“Before the month was up, we’d lost six guys. You were afraid to make friends. So I channeled all of that time into writing. It was an escape. That’s when I met Charlie.”
He gazed at Claire. “He’d hurt his hand, I think, working on the truck. We compared our hands. His from the recent event and mine from some shrapnel.”
So that explained all the scarring on his hands.
Pat continued, “When he saw me writing, we got to chatting. He loved books. Um, I guess you know that.”
She smiled and nodded.
“We bonded over some books we’d read and he shared some of his with me. He said his girlfriend sent him a new book every time she wrote. One day, he handed me a book, and he’d forgotten to take the letter out. I read it. Her, I mean, your words, were wonderful. The descriptions of what was happening at home, at college, and around town were an escape from the horrors we lived with daily. One day, I told Charlie he’d forgotten to share the letter. He laughed and said not to worry. That it was a good thing we didn’t know one another as we would probably be a better match with our love of the English language. He showed me a picture of a young woman wearing a floppy hat and a cream macrame vest over a fringed halter top and shorts. Her smile was wide and long brown hair floated on the wind. I think if I recall, you were also with a group of young people, all with peace signs.”
Claire’s mind went back to that day. It had been an event she’d attended. “I remember that.”
“Well, that’s the moment I finally got to see the woman who had stolen my heart with her words.”
He reached over and took Claire’s hand, squeezing it. He shook his head before standing again. “When you told me you knew Charlie, I couldn’t believe it. You, of all people, were the Claire that I’d loved so many years ago. It was like something from a movie. I asked you to wait until today because I wanted to show you something. But I had to find it. I wasn’t sure that I’d brought it down with me when I moved here.”
He sat again and rubbed his hand over the box. “Claire, I want you to know that Charlie loved you. I also think he knew his chances … anyway, he was going out the next day. He made me promise him something.”
He lifted the lid off the box. A yellowed envelope sat on the top. He pulled the folded paper from inside.
“Here.”
Claire took the page and read.
Darling Claire.
If you’re reading this, it means I’m not coming home. At least, not the way I’d like. I can’t even write the words here as if by doing so I’m committing the outcome to expectation. I’ve entrusted my buddy, Patrick, with your care. Ever since I’ve ‘introduced’ you to him, I believe he’s fallen head over heels for you. I would say sight unseen. But I’ve also shown him a picture of you. I’d be jealous if you’d met in person. But I hope that he will deliver this message to you. That I loved you from the moment I saw you, laden down with books, your gaze in the pages instead of where you were walking. I couldn’t help but cause the impact so we could meet. I was right. We were meant to be together. Sadly, if this comes to you, then it seems it was only a fleeting affair. I loved you as much as a mortal man could. And now I leave it to Pattie to ensure that you know how much. And should the timing be right, maybe even give the kid a chance. Because I think he would love you as much as I do.
Yours, Charlie
Claire’s hands shook as tears fell on the page. She stood and moved toward the door. She needed air. Holding her head back, she fought to breathe as the ache tore through her again.
Silence stayed between them. Finally, she turned and walked over to Pat. She held out the letter.
Anger burst from her. “Why didn’t you get this to me? All this time. You had this, and I never got to see it.” She pounded her hands against his chest. “Why? Why?”
They both knew she didn’t mean him not getting the letter to her sooner.
He held her, whispering. “I thought about it. Charlie had told me not to mail it but to give it to you in person. I meant to honor his request, but it was over six months before I got home. And then I planned to do it but, well, by then you would have heard he wasn’t coming home. So my bringing it would only dredge up hurtful emotions. And to be honest, I was a coward. I couldn’t handle what you would think of me. So I kept putting it off. Then, I never did. But I’ve done what he asked. I’ve delivered it to you. In person. I’m no longer a kid. But I do hope you’ll give me a chance.”
She pulled away. “This is, I don’t even know what to think about all this. It’s strange. Weird. Something. I need some time to think.”
“Of course. Hold on. He came back and handed her the book of poetry he’d been reading to her the other day. I didn’t even realize it at the time, but I think this is yours.”
Claire cracked open the book. Inside, she knew what it said. ‘Come home soon’. Then a heart was drawn next to a C. She held it to her chest. “I have to go.” She blurted out before rushing away. She jogged back to the casita where she fell onto the bed, clutching the book next to her heart.
Tears ran down her face. She didn’t think she could cry any harder or any longer. The floodgates opened in her soul. Pushing out every sorrow she’d ever held until she fell asleep from emotional exhaustion.
But as she tumbled into the darkness of sleep, her thoughts broke through with light as she came to terms with her feelings.
She’d been so afraid to lose someone again that she’d pushed them all away. Now life had brought her another chance.
I love Pat.
The following morning, Claire woke to find her face blotched and her eyes puffy from all the crying she’d done. She moved into the bathroom and took a bracing shower to wake her up. With her hair still up in a towel, she opened her laptop.
There was an email from Francis to the book club. “Still on for our chat today?”
Claire glanced at the time.
Oh, the call was soon. She better get ready. Claire made some coffee while brushing out her hair. Adding a bit of mousse, she blow-dried her hair, so she’d look halfway presentable. However, there wasn’t much she could do about her face and eyes. She went to the fridge and grabbed a few ice cubes, rubbing them against her eyes.
After pouring her coffee, she took the computer to her bed, pushing pillows behind her so she’d be comfy before they started. After opening the laptop, she clicked on the link to the meeting.
“Hello everyone!” Francis smiled into the camera.
The others all responded with greetings.
Claire waited until everyone was settled before she waved at the group. “Hola!”
Shirley squinted. “Claire, are you okay?”
Great. Right off the bat.
“Yeah, what’s up, Claire? Allergies?” Betsy asked.
Claire responded by telling them she’d recently been ill with pneumonia.
Laura replied, “Oh no! You okay now?”
“Yes. Much better. Though it means I’ll be here a bit longer. I still need to heal more before doing any traveling.”
“Claire, are you really okay?” Leave it to Shirley to ask the tough questions.
“To be honest, I’ve had a bit of a shock.”
“Oh, tell.” Sylvia chimed in, as usual, late to the call.
Claire adjusted the computer on her lap. “I’m not even sure where to begin. So much has happened.”
“I don’t have anywhere else to be,” Francis added.
The others nodded.
“Okay, well. Here goes.” Claire shared about finding out Pat was a best-selling author.
“That’s very cool that you got to help him,” Laura said.
“I guess, though, that’s not the main thing that’s happened.”
The ladies quieted for Claire to continue. Taking a deep breath, she shared about how she’d seen the picture of Charlie in the picture on the wall, then everything Pat had shared last night. Finally, she held up the letter from Charlie.
Exclamations and words of shock rose from all the ladies as they spoke over each other.
It was Betsy’s powerful voice that cut through with her loud impression of the Twilight Zone music. “Do, do, do do…”
Everyone laughed. Leave it to Betsy to bring humor to any and every situation.
“I mean, come on. That’s totally something out there,” Betsy quipped.
“I agree. That’s pretty weird.” Sylvia said.
Francis interjected, “It’s wonderful. Like one of those magical romance movies.”
“You were … are meant to be with Pat!” Laura interjected.
Claire cleared her throat. “Possibly. But I also have this job opportunity back home.”
“What?” the ladies chorused.
“It’s a great opportunity!” Claire squirmed.
“Greater than discovering the love of your life?” Sylvia asked.
Claire didn’t speak. Charlie had been the love of her life. Or so she’d thought. But the idea of being without Pat was something she didn’t even want to think about.
Francis spoke. “Claire, you know we all want the best for you. You certainly don’t need a man to fulfill you. But maybe, just maybe, you need a man who loves you.”
Claire nodded. “I just don’t want to make a mistake.”
“I think this causes us to miss out on life. We’re all so afraid of trying something that we do nothing. And then we miss out on what life has for us,” Sylvia said. “I mean, I never would have started my style business if it weren’t for all the encouragement you all have given me!”
“And I wouldn’t have booked that trip to London to pet sit if not for Betsy.” Laura chimed in.
Shirley interjected, “The fact is that our friendship has been a springboard. Instead of feeling I’m at the end of my life, I’m more excited about the future than I’ve been in a long time. And I owe it to all of you.”
Francis nodded. “I agree. I just heard a song the other day. It was about leaves not falling, but they just let go. This is the time to let go of what we thought we should do or be at this age and embrace what we want. To let go of past expectations or regrets.”
Claire smiled. “All good points. I guess I need to decide if I’m willing to let go.”
Betsy shook with excitement as she shook her hands in the air for everyone to see. “Remember when we said ‘plot twist’ for you? Well, I, for one, never expected this much of one. But listen to this definition, a plot twist is a radical change in the direction of the story. Claire, this is your life’s plot twist!”
The others all nodded or expressed their agreement.
“Maybe,” Claire responded.
“No maybe about it! Now you love Pat and he loves you. Don’t muck it up!” Laura said.
Francis laughed, “Already with the English phrases, Laura.”
Laughter filled the screen. Finally, Claire got things back under control and everyone shared something about what was going on with them.
Shirley was the first to note she wanted to stay but had to leave. “Later ladies. Keep us posted, Claire. And here’s to healing completely.”
“Later Boomer Babes!” Sylvia chirped as the rest held up hands to wave goodbye.
Claire shut the computer.
She had a lot of thinking to do. The ladies had given her good advice. Now it was up to her if she followed through on it.